Springfield lawyer Michael Kogut asks Massachusetts inspector general to investigate selection of casino consultant with ties to MGM, Penn National

SPRINGFIELD — Michael T. Kogut, a local lawyer who opposes plans for a Springfield casino, asked the state Office of Inspector General this week to investigate the city’s selection of Shefsky & Froelich as its casino consultant and the company’s ties to two developers seeking a gaming license here.

Michael Kogut

Kogut said he submitted a letter, seeking the investigation, after seeing news reports last week that Shefsky & Froelich, of Chicago, while serving as Springfield’s legal and gaming consultants, has remained a registered lobbyist in Illinois for MGM Resorts International and Penn National Gaming. MGM and Penn National are among four companies proposing a casino in Springfield, in the South End and North End respectively.

“This certainly raises a question of conflict of interest and whether a paid consultant with ties to these two casino developers can remain neutral and objective while consulting for the city,” Kogut said, in a letter to state Inspector General Glenn A. Cunha.

A copy of his request was forwarded to Stephen Crosby, chairman of the Massachusetts Gaming Commission, which oversees the siting of casinos in Massachusetts.

Edward M. Pikula

Kogut said he has been publicly opposed to a casino in Springfield, and had stated that opposition during his unsuccessful campaign for Hampden County district attorney in 2010. In addition, Kogut said he plans to form a ballot question committee that would raise funds and urge voters in Springfield to reject a local casino.

Springfield City Solicitor Edward M. Pikula has defended the hiring of Shefsky & Froelich, saying the city needed to hire the best and strongest consultants possible, as done by the casino companies. In addition, Pikula said the firm disclosed its relationship with MGM and Penn National in Illinois before being hired in Springfield.

“The lawyers working on behalf of operators in Illinois are excluded from working under the scope of the City of Springfield contract,” Pikula said in a letter last week to City Councilor John Lysak. “In addition, the lawyers working for the City of Springfield are ‘walled off’ from working on the matters in Illinois.”